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Authorities confiscated numerous electronic devices from the residence, where they claim they discovered material related to child abuse.
The suspect was brought to Gladesville Police Station and faced charges of using a communication service to groom a minor under 16 for sexual purposes, as well as accessing child abuse material through a similar service.
Detective Acting Superintendent Karl Leis of the Sex Crimes Squad expressed relief, noting, “It’s heartening to see the child engaged in conversations with their parents, who then promptly informed the authorities.”
According to police, the initial interactions began eight days prior to the parents’ swift notification to law enforcement.
Leis reassured that, “At no time was the child ever exposed to any risk or danger once the situation was brought to light.”
“We will allege that the 29-year-old actively took steps online to reach out to this vulnerable 14-year-old girl who was not known to him.”
Police say the amount of money allegedly offered to the girl was “not a significant sum”.
“If there are any children who have been victims of this particular [alleged] predator, come forward [and] speak to their parents to report these matters to the police,” Leis said.
Police say they are “thoroughly investigating” the matter.
In a statement, Newington College said they were made aware of the matter today and had terminated the casual staff member’s employment.
“Police have informed us that no Newington students, or students we have been recently associated with, have been identified as having been involved,” the statement reads.
The college said the teacher “completed all mandatory child protection training” and held a valid Working with Children’s Check with no complaints about his behaviour.
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